United Way appoints new leader

December 26, 2007

JOHNSTOWN - The United Way of the Laurel Highlands has appointed Cambria County businessman William P. McKinney as the organization’s executive director. McKinney’s appointment was made during the Dec. 18 meeting of the United Way board of directors.

McKinney is the owner and developer of Cammik Holdings and Cammik Investments. He is the former eastern regional president and CEO of First National Bank.

McKinney’s experience in operational organization and finance was key to his appointment, according to the United Way.

“Our goal was to select a leader with the experience to develop and improve United Way services for Cambria and Somerset counties,” said Allan R. Dennison, United Way of the Laurel Highlands chairman. “Skilled leadership is an important factor for the United Way and we feel one of our most respected and ideally qualified community leaders is now directing United Way activities.”

McKinney was born in Johnstown. He earned an bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown and later a master’s of business administration from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. McKinney rose through the ranks to lead the local operations of First National Bank. As regional president and CEO, he directed the bank’s five-county service region, which included Cambria, Somerset, Bedford, Blair and Indiana counties. McKinney is on the board of directors for the Johnstown Industrial Development Corporation and is a former board member with the local United Way.

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“Our United Way is a healthy organization that is capably serving the community,” said McKinney. “What we need to do now is expand our ability to make positive change in the Laurel Highlands. As a life-long area resident, I’ll be applying my experience — and my heart — to the issues where we can do some good.”

McKinney joins the United Way of the Laurel Highlands on the heels of a successful $1 million fund drive. The United Way provides funding for programs and services at more than 25 local charities. These charities provide community services that aim to strengthen families, promote self-sufficiency, respond to crisis, help youth and children succeed, improve health and wellness and support the vulnerable and aging members of the community. United Way of the Laurel Highlands is an independent, nonprofit organization and has served the community for more than 75 years.